Numbers Chapter 31 · Verse 50
We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַנַּקְרֵ֞ב
We have therefore brought
H7126
וַנַּקְרֵ֞ב
We have therefore brought
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 19
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָרְבַּ֣ן
an oblation
H7133
קָרְבַּ֣ן
an oblation
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
3 of 19
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
יְהוָֽה׃
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִישׁ֩
what every man
H376
אִישׁ֩
what every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָצָ֤א
hath gotten
H4672
מָצָ֤א
hath gotten
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כְלִֽי
of jewels
H3627
כְלִֽי
of jewels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
8 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
זָהָב֙
of gold
H2091
זָהָב֙
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
9 of 19
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טַבַּ֖עַת
rings
H2885
טַבַּ֖עַת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
לְכַפֵּ֥ר
to make an atonement
H3722
לְכַפֵּ֥ר
to make an atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
15 of 19
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ
for our souls
H5315
נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ
for our souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
This voluntary offering followed the war against Midian where Israel executed divine judgment. The gold ornaments - likely plundered from Midianite idols - were consecrated to God's service, transforming spoils of paganism into holy offerings. The amount was substantial (16,750 shekels of gold), showing both the battle's magnitude and Israel's genuine gratitude. The priests kept half as memorial before the Lord in the tabernacle, creating lasting remembrance of God's deliverance and their consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you maintain a tender conscience even in activities that seem spiritually neutral or justified?
- How can you consecrate to God the 'spoils' of your victories - turning success into opportunities for worship rather than pride?
Analysis & Commentary
The military officers brought gold ornaments as 'atonement for our souls before the LORD,' recognizing that even righteous war (God-commanded) involved bloodshed requiring purification. The Hebrew 'kaphar' (atonement) means to cover or make reconciliation. Remarkably, not one Israelite soldier died (v.49) - a miraculous preservation pointing to God's protective power. Yet they still sought atonement, understanding that taking human life, even in divine judgment, required spiritual cleansing. This demonstrates that God's people must maintain tender consciences even when executing His just commands. The offering wasn't payment for sin but grateful acknowledgment of God's mercy and their need for cleansing.